News

There was something different about the most recent negotiations between Fresno Unified and its teachers union. Gone were the 18-month back and forths over what the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) wanted vs. what the district could afford. There were no threats of a strike. Instead, with relative ease, the two sides reached an agreement that will give teachers a 3% ongoing salary increase plus a one-time 1.5% payment, according to the Fresno Bee. The district has also agreed to new caps on class sizes.

Per the Bee:

Beginning July 1, core classes in middle school will be capped at 28.

For the 2019-20 school year, a teacher who is over 33 students at the elementary level will get a choice of a $2,000 yearly stipend or a teacher’s aide.

At the secondary level, teachers in core classes with over 36 students have a choice of $500 or a teacher’s aide.

Superintendent Bob Nelson called the deal — and the process — revolutionary.